Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Picture Book Review: Cross-Country Cat by Mary Calhoun Illustrated by Erick Ingraham

Today it is a slightly snowy day (just some flurries for us here in Jersey). But it is the perfect type of weather to read a snowy themed book. So I plopped down in my recliner with a glass of milk and a peanut-butter sandwich (no jelly for me) and gave this one a go.

Have you ever seen a cat walk on its hind legs? How about a cat who can ski? Henry is a very talented cat who likes to prance about on his hind legs. While staying with his family in a cabin he gets separated when they leave without noticing he is not in the car. What is a cat to do? Well cross-country ski of course!

This is a book I haven't read in over 30 years so it was nice to read it all over again. The story itself is adorable and in a way it is like the Little Engine that Could in that Henry is determined to keep going no matter how tired he is and no matter how close the coyote gets to him. 

But what I can truly appreciate now is the illustrations. The textures that are conveyed are amazing. You can see just how fluffy Henry is. And you can practically feel the coarse woolen socks from the first page. I want to wrap my arms around Henry and pet him for days.

This really brings back a wonderful feeling of nostalgia for me. The book is longer than I remember it being so it is better for those who are about to transition into chapter books than those of the toddler set. 

Over all it was a delightful story but the main highlight is the artwork. 

4 out of 5 stars!

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